Seat Pan for an Aircraft

ABSTRACT

An example seat pan for an aircraft includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is acontinuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/001,037, filed onJun. 6, 2018, entitled “Seat Pan for an Aircraft,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a seat pan for an aircraft,and more specifically to a seat pan having a first portion and a secondportion that is adjustable to either form a seating surface with thefirst portion or to allow for the first portion to be insertable into afootwell.

BACKGROUND

Increasing the density of passenger seats on a commercial aircraft canincrease the amount of revenue that an airline can generate on a perflight basis, if the additional seats are sold. One way to increaseseating density involves reducing the dimensions of the seatsthemselves. Another way to increase seating density involves reducingthe space between adjacent seats. However, both of these techniques canreduce passenger comfort and demand for such seating, which can workagainst the goal of increased revenue. For example, passengers mightfind it intolerable if adjacent seats are placed too close together orif the seats themselves are too small. This might be especially true for“business class” passengers who presumably are willing to pay a premiumfor increased comfort and convenience. Additionally, there is a limit tohow dense seating can be based on the size of the passengers. Thus, inmany situations, it might be difficult to increase revenue by increasingseating density.

Airlines can also increase revenue by increasing the comfort andconvenience of existing passenger seating without changing seatingdensity. Many existing business class seat pans have a limited widthbecause the seat pan is sized to slide into a footwell in front of theseat for lay flat capability. Thus, a need exists for a wider seat panthat could make the seat more comfortable and accommodate largerpassengers without decreasing seating density or adversely affecting layflat capability.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a seat pan for an aircraft. The seat panincludes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that isadjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a firstposition in which the second portion forms a seating surface togetherwith the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is widerthan a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portionis adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which thefirst end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into a footwell.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for providing a seat panfor an aircraft. The method includes providing a first portion of theseat pan having a first end. The method also includes providing a secondportion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be ina first position in which the second portion forms a seating surfacetogether with the first portion, the seating surface having a width thatis wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The secondportion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in whichthe first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion tobe insertable into a footwell.

A further aspect of the disclosure is a seating system for an aircraft.The seating system includes a footwell and a seat pan. The seat panincludes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that isadjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a firstposition in which the second portion forms a seating surface togetherwith the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is widerthan a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable toalternatively be in a second position in which the first end of thefirst portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable intothe footwell.

A further aspect of the disclosure is a method for providing a seatingsystem for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwell of theseating system and providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seatpan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portionthat is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a firstposition in which the second portion forms a seating surface togetherwith the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is widerthan a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable toalternatively be in a second position in which the first end of thefirst portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable intothe footwell.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a seating system for anaircraft. The seating system includes a footwell, a seat back, and aseat pan. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and asecond portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustableto be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seatingsurface together with the first portion, the seating surface having awidth that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion isadjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the firstend of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the firstportion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and theseating system is configured such that the seat back is substantiallyparallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the secondposition.

A further aspect of the disclosure includes a method for providing aseating system for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwellof the seating system, providing a seat back of the seating system, andproviding a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes afirst portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacentto the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position inwhich the second portion forms a seating surface together with the firstportion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a widthof the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be ina second position in which the first end of the first portion extendsbeyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. A width ofthe first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the widthof the footwell and the seating system is configured such that the seatback is substantially parallel with the first portion when the secondportion is in the second position.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for adjusting aseating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a seat back ofthe seating system down toward a floor of the aircraft such that theseat back is substantially parallel with a first portion of a seat panof the seating system to form a laying surface. The method also includesmoving a second portion of the seat pan from a first position to asecond position. In the first position, the second portion forms aseating surface together with the first portion, the seating surfacehaving a width that is wider than a width of a footwell of the seatingsystem. A first end of the first portion extends beyond the secondportion when the second portion is in the second position. The methodalso includes moving the first end of the first portion into thefootwell.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for adjusting aseating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a first end ofa first portion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell ofthe seating system and moving a second portion of the seat pan from asecond position to a first position. The first end of the first portionextends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in thesecond position. In the first position, the second portion forms aseating surface together with the first portion, the seating surfacehaving a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The methodalso includes moving a seat back of the seating system up and away froma floor of the aircraft.

By the term “about” or “substantially” with reference to amounts ormeasurement values described herein, it is meant that the recitedcharacteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, butthat deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do notpreclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yetother examples further details of which can be seen with reference tothe following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examplesare set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples,however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives anddescriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative example of the presentdisclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating system in a first position,according to an example.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seating system in transition between afirst position and a second position, according to an example.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seating system in a second position,according to an example.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a seating system in a first position, accordingto an example.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a seating system in transition between a firstposition and a second position, according to an example.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a seating system in a second position,according to an example.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a seating system in a first position, accordingto an example.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a seating system in transition between a firstposition and a second position, according to an example.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a seating system in a second position, accordingto an example.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a seating system in a first position,according to an example.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft, according to an example.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of an aircraft and a seatingsystem, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, there exists a need for wider aircraft seat pans oncommercial aircraft that could make seats more comfortable andaccommodate larger passengers without decreasing seating density oradversely affecting lay flat capability. Accordingly, such seat pans,seating systems, and associated methods are disclosed herein.

A seat pan for an aircraft includes a first portion having a first endand a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion. The secondportion is adjustable to be in a first position in which the secondportion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, theseating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the firstend of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable toalternatively be in a second position in which the first end of thefirst portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into afootwell.

In the first position, the second portion of the seat pan provides aseating surface with additional width (e.g., over the whole length ofthe seating surface) for increased comfort while the passenger is in aseated position. When the second portion of the seat pan is the firstposition, the seat pan is generally not within the footwell and thewidth of the seat pan can exceed the width of the footwell.

In the second position, the second portion of the seat pan is rotated orotherwise moved away from the first end of the first portion toeffectively reduce the width of the seat pan at an end of the seat panthat is closest to the footwell in front of the seat pan. The first endof the first portion of the seat pan can then be inserted into thefootwell without having the second portion of the seat pan provide anobstruction. A seat back can be lowered to be substantially parallelwith the seat pan to form a laying surface that extends at leastpartially into the footwell. In the second position, the seat pan mightabut a platform within the footwell that provides additional length forthe laying surface. By taking advantage of footwell space, thisconfiguration allows for reduced seating density (e.g., a decrease in“pitch” between seats of at least 2 to 4 inches). This might allow forone or more additional rows of seats to be placed within a particularaircraft's cabin. Additionally, the reduced width of the seat pan whenthe second portion is in the second position generally will notinconvenience the laying passenger because of the additional supportprovided by the seat back and the platform within the footwell.

Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all ofthe disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples maybe described and should not be construed as limited to the examples setforth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating system 10 that includes afootwell 200 and a seat pan 100. The seating system 10 is shown in afirst position (e.g., an upright seating position).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seating system 10 in transitionbetween the first position and a second position (e.g., a lay flatposition).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seating system 10 in the secondposition.

Referring to FIG. 1, the seat pan 100 includes a first portion 102having a first end 104 and a second portion 106 that is adjacent to thefirst portion 102. The second portion 106 is adjustable to be in thefirst position (shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 7) in which the secondportion 106 forms a seating surface 108 together with the first portion102. The seating surface 108 has a width 110 that is wider than a width112 of the first end 104 of the first portion 102. The width 110 is alsowider than a width 202 of the footwell 200. The second portion 106 isadjustable to alternatively be in the second position (shown in FIG. 3,FIG. 6, and FIG. 9) in which the first end 104 of the first portion 102extends beyond the second portion 106 to be insertable into the footwell200.

The first portion 102 can be formed of and/or include plastic, metal,foam cushions, and/or any other material suitable for an aircraft seat.For example, the first portion 102 might include a cushioned uppersurface that partially forms the seating surface 108. In the exampleshown in FIG. 1, the first portion 102 is separated into two sectionspartitioned by a structural separation 103 (e.g., a seam), but in otherexamples, such as the example shown in FIG. 15, the first portion 102does not include the structural separation 103. That is, in the exampleshown in FIG. 15, the first portion 102 constitutes a single L-shapedportion.

The second portion 106 can be formed of and/or include plastic, metal,foam cushions, and/or any other material suitable for an aircraft seat.For example, the second portion 106 might include a cushioned uppersurface that partially forms the seating surface 108 when the secondportion 106 is in the first position. In some examples, it might beadvantageous for the second portion 106 and the first portion 102 to beformed of and/or include different materials.

FIG. 1 also shows a floor rail 951 and a floor rail 952. The floor rail951 and the floor rail 952 are both mechanically coupled (e.g.,fastened) to a floor 901 of an aircraft 60 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). Thefloor rail 951 and the floor rail 952 can be formed with metal, plastic,or other materials. The floor rail 951 and the floor rail 952 definerespective slots that can receive structural supports of the seatingsystem 10, as described below.

The seating system 10 also includes a structural support 953, astructural support 954, a structural support 955, and a structuralsupport 956. The structural support 953 and the structural support 955are coupled to the floor rail 951 and the structural support 954 and thestructural support 956 are coupled to the floor rail 952. The structuralsupport 953 and the structural support 955 are configured to slidewithin the floor rail 951 to enable the seating system 10 to transitionfrom the upright seating position to the lay flat position and from thelay flat position to the upright seating position. The structuralsupport 954 and the structural support 956 are configured to slidewithin the floor rail 952 to enable the seating system 10 to transitionfrom the upright seating position to the lay flat position and from thelay flat position to the upright seating position. The structuralsupport 953, the structural support 954, the structural support 955, andthe structural support 956 can take the form of metal struts that arefastened to the first portion 102, for example.

In particular examples, the width 112 of the first end 104 of the firstportion 102 is substantially equal to the width 202 of the footwell 200(e.g., such that the first end 104 can fit snugly within the footwell200 when the second portion 106 is in the second position).

The first portion 102 has a second end 114 that is opposite the firstend 104. A width 116 of the second end 114 is greater than the width 112of the first end 104.

The seating system 10 also includes a motorized actuator 302 that isconfigured to move the second portion 106 from the first position to thesecond position and from the second position to the first position. Thatis, the motorized actuator 302 is configured to move the seating system10 from the upright seating position shown in FIG. 1 to the lay flatposition shown in FIG. 3, and vice versa.

The motorized actuator 302 can include one or more powered motors and/orother mechanical systems configured to enable the transitions betweenthe upright seating position and the lay flat position. For example, themotorized actuator 302 can include one or more components that aremechanically coupled to a seat back 402 of the seating system 10, thefirst portion 102, and/or the second portion 106 and are configured toenable transitions between the upright seating position and the lay flatposition.

Additionally or alternatively, the seating system 10 includes anunpowered actuator 304 that is configured to move the second portion 106from the first position to the second position and from the secondposition to the first position. That is, the unpowered actuator 304 isconfigured to move the seating system 10 from the upright seatingposition to the lay flat position, and vice versa.

The unpowered actuator 304 can include one or more mechanical systems(e.g., levers, springs, gears, etc.) configured to enable thetransitions between the upright seating position and the lay flatposition. For example, the unpowered actuator 304 can include one ormore components that are mechanically coupled to the seat back 402, thefirst portion 102, and/or the second portion 106 and are configured toenable the transitions between the upright seating position and the layflat position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the footwell 200 is at least partially enclosed andextends above and below the first portion 102 of the seat pan 100. Thefootwell 200 rests on the floor 901 of the aircraft 60.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an end 118 of the second portion 106 isconfigured to pivot downward away from the first end 104 of the firstportion 102 and toward the second end 114 of the first portion 102 asthe second portion 106 is adjusted from the first position to the secondposition.

The seat pan 100 further includes a rod 120 coupled to the first portion102. The second portion 106 is configured to pivot about the rod 120. Insome examples, the rod 120 is embedded within the first portion 102.

In other examples, the second portion is configured to retract away fromthe first end of the first portion and toward the second end of thefirst portion as the second portion is adjusted from the first positionto the second position. For example, the second portion can beconfigured to retract rearward into an adjacent section of the firstportion.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the seating system 10 in the first position.The seat pan 100 is configured such that the seat back 402 forms anobtuse angle 404 with the seating surface 108 when the second portion106 is in the first position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the seating system 10 in transition between thefirst position and the second position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the seating system 10 in the second position.As shown in FIG. 6, a surface 126 of the second portion 106 that formsthe seating surface 108 when the second portion 106 is in the firstposition is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 102 whenthe second portion 106 is in the second position. The seating system 10is configured such that the seat back 402 is substantially parallel withthe first portion 102 when the second portion 106 is in the secondposition.

The footwell 200 includes a facade 204 that defines the footwell 200. Asshown in FIG. 6, the second portion 106 (e.g., the surface 126) isconfigured to abut the facade 204 when the second portion 106 is in thesecond position (e.g., when the first end 104 is inserted into thefootwell 200).

FIG. 7 is a top view of the seating system 10 in the first position.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the seating system 10 in transition between thefirst position and the second position.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the seating system 10 in the second position.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, a total length 122 of the seat pan 100having the width 110 that is greater than the width 112 of the first end104 of the first portion 102 when the second portion 106 is in the firstposition is greater than a total length 124 of the seat pan 100 havingthe width 110 that is greater than the width 112 of the first end 104 ofthe first portion 102 when the second portion 106 is in the secondposition. By transitioning from the first position to the secondposition, the first end 104 of the first portion 102 can be insertedinto the footwell 200, as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the seating system 10 includes a platform 206within the footwell 200. The first portion 102 is configured to abut theplatform 206 and form a laying surface 208 together with platform 206when the second portion 106 is in the second position.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, a total length 122 of the seat pan 100having the width 110 that is greater than the width 202 of the footwell200 when the second portion 106 is in the first position is greater thana total length 124 of the seat pan 100 having the width 110 that isgreater than the width 202 of the footwell 200 when the second portion106 is in the second position.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method 500 for providing a seat pan foran aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 60 depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17).

At block 502, the method 500 includes providing a first portion of theseat pan having a first end. For example, an aircraft component suppliercan manufacture or deliver the first portion 102 to an end user such asan airline.

At block 504, the method 500 includes providing a second portion that isadjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a firstposition in which the second portion forms a seating surface togetherwith the first portion. The seating surface has a width that is widerthan a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portionis adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which thefirst end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into a footwell. For example, the aircraft component suppliercan manufacture or deliver the second portion 106 to an end user such asan airline.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method 600 for providing a seatingsystem for an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 60 depicted in FIGS. 16 and17).

At block 602, the method 600 includes providing a footwell of theseating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier canmanufacture or deliver the footwell 200 of the seating system 10 to anend user such as an airline.

At block 604, the method 600 includes providing a seat pan of theseating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first endand a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and isadjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms aseating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface hasa width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portionis adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which thefirst end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into the footwell. For example, an aircraft componentsupplier can manufacture or deliver the seat pan 100 to an end user suchas an airline.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a method 700 for providing a seatingsystem for an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 60 depicted in FIGS. 16 and17).

At block 702, the method 700 includes providing a footwell of theseating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier canmanufacture or deliver the footwell 200 of the seating system 10 to anend user such as an airline.

At block 704, the method 700 includes providing a seat back of theseating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier canmanufacture or deliver the seat back 402 of the seating system 10 to anend user such as an airline.

At block 706, the method 700 includes providing a seat pan of theseating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first endand a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and isadjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms aseating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface hasa width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portionis adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which thefirst end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the firstportion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and theseating system is configured such that the seat back is substantiallyparallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the secondposition. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture ordeliver the seat pan 100 of the seating system 10.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a method 800 for adjusting a seatingsystem of an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 60 depicted in FIGS. 16 and17).

At block 802, the method 800 includes moving a seat back of the seatingsystem down toward a floor of the aircraft such that the seat back issubstantially parallel with a first portion of a seat pan of the seatingsystem to form a laying surface.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the seat back 402 of the seating system 10 can bemoved down toward the floor 901 of an aircraft such that the seat back402 is substantially parallel with the first portion 102 of the seat pan100 of the seating system 10 to form the laying surface 208. The seatback 402 can be moved by operating the motorized actuator 302 or theunpowered actuator 304, for example.

At block 804, the method 800 includes moving a second portion of theseat pan from a first position to a second position. In the firstposition, the second portion forms a seating surface together with thefirst portion. The seating surface has a width that is wider than awidth of a footwell of the seating system. A first end of the firstportion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is inthe second position.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the second portion 106 can be moved from thefirst position (shown in FIG. 4) to the second position (shown in FIG.6). In the first position shown in FIG. 1, the second portion 106 formsa seating surface 108 together with the first portion 102. The seatingsurface 108 has the width 110 that is wider than the width 202 of thefootwell 200 of the seating system 10. The second portion 106 can bemoved by operating the motorized actuator 302 or the unpowered actuator304, for example.

At block 806, the method 800 includes moving the first end of the firstportion into the footwell. For example, the first end 104 of the firstportion 102 can be moved into the footwell 200 as shown FIG. 3, FIG. 6,and FIG. 9. The first end 104 of the first portion 102 can be moved intothe footwell 200 by operating the motorized actuator 302 or theunpowered actuator 304, for example.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a method 900 for adjusting a seatingsystem of an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 60 depicted in FIGS. 16 and17).

At block 902, the method 900 includes moving a first end of a firstportion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell of theseating system.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first end 104 of the first portion102 of the seat pan 100 can be moved out of the footwell 200. The firstend 104 of the first portion 102 can be moved out of the footwell 200 byoperating the motorized actuator 302 or the unpowered actuator 304, forexample.

At block 904, the method 900 includes moving a second portion of theseat pan from a second position to a first position. The first end ofthe first portion extends beyond the second portion when the secondportion is in the second position. In the first position, the secondportion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, theseating surface having a width that is wider than a width of thefootwell.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the second portion 106 can be moved from thesecond position (shown in FIG. 6) to the first position (shown in FIG.4). The first end 104 of the first portion 102 extends beyond the secondportion 106 when the second portion 106 is in the second position. Inthe first position, the second portion 106 forms a seating surface 108together with the first portion 102. The seating surface 108 has thewidth 110 that is wider than the width 202 of the footwell 200. Thesecond portion 106 can be moved by operating the motorized actuator 302or the unpowered actuator 304, for example.

At block 906, the method 900 includes moving a seat back of the seatingsystem up and away from a floor of the aircraft.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the seat back 402 of the seating system 10 can bemoved up and away from the floor 901 of an aircraft such that theseating system 10 is in an upright seating position. The seat back 402can be moved by operating the motorized actuator 302 or the unpoweredactuator 304, for example.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of the seating system 10 inwhich the first portion 102 does not include the structural separation103 that is shown in FIG. 1. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15,the first portion 102 constitutes a single L-shaped portion. One ofskill in the art will recognize that the example of the seatingapparatus 10 shown in FIG. 15 can otherwise have any or all of thestructural features and/or functionality of the seating apparatus 10described above.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the aircraft 60.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of the aircraft 60 and the seatingsystem 10. As shown in FIG. 17, the seating system 10 (i.e., thefootwell 200, the seat pan 100, and/or the seat back 402) can beinstalled as part of the aircraft 60. As further shown in FIG. 17, theseating system 10 need not be arranged specifically as shown in FIG. 1or 15.

Examples of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of theenumerated clauses (EC) listed below.

EC 1 is a seat pan for an aircraft, the seat pan comprising: a firstportion having a first end; and a second portion that is adjacent to thefirst portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which thesecond portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion,the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of thefirst end of the first portion, wherein the second portion is adjustableto alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of thefirst portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into afootwell.

EC 2 is the seat pan of EC 1, wherein the width of the first end of thefirst portion is substantially equal to a width of the footwell.

EC 3 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1 or 2, wherein the first portionhas a second end that is opposite the first end, and wherein a width ofthe second end is greater than a width of the first end.

EC 4 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-3, wherein an end of the secondportion is configured to pivot downward away from the first end of thefirst portion and toward the second end of the first portion as thesecond portion is adjusted from the first position to the secondposition.

EC 5 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-4, further comprising a rodcoupled to the first portion, the second portion being configured topivot about the rod.

EC 6 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-5, wherein the second portion isconfigured to retract away from the first end of the first portion andtoward the second end of the first portion as the second portion isadjusted from the first position to the second position.

EC 7 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-6, wherein a total length of theseat pan having a width that is greater than the width of the first endof the first portion when the second portion is in the first position isgreater than a total length of the seat pan having a width that isgreater than the width of the first end of the first portion when thesecond portion is in the second position.

EC 8 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-7, wherein a surface of thesecond portion that forms the seating surface when the second portion isin the first position is substantially perpendicular to the firstportion when the second portion is in the second position.

EC 9 is a seating system for an aircraft, the seating system comprising:a footwell; and a seat pan comprising: a first portion having a firstend; and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and isadjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms aseating surface together with the first portion, the seating surfacehaving a width that is wider than a width of the footwell, wherein thesecond portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position inwhich the first end of the first portion extends beyond the secondportion to be insertable into the footwell.

EC 10 is the seating system of EC 9, wherein a width of the first end ofthe first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell.

EC 11 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-10, wherein the footwellis at least partially enclosed.

EC 12 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-11, wherein the footwellextends above and below the first portion.

EC 13 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-12, further comprising afacade that defines the footwell, wherein the second portion isconfigured to abut the facade when the second portion is in the secondposition.

EC 14 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-13, further comprising aplatform within the footwell, wherein the first portion is configured toabut the platform and form a laying surface together with the platformwhen the second portion is in the second position.

EC 15 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-14, wherein a totallength of the seat pan having a width that is greater than the width ofthe footwell when the second portion is in the first position is greaterthan a total length of the seat pan having a width that is greater thanthe width of the footwell when the second portion is in the secondposition.

EC 16 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-15, further comprising amotorized actuator that is configured to move the second portion fromthe first position to the second position and from the second positionto the first position.

EC 17 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-16, further comprising anunpowered actuator that is configured to move the second portion fromthe first position to the second position and from the second positionto the first position.

EC 18 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-17, further comprising aseat back, wherein the seat pan is configured such that the seat backforms an obtuse angle with the seating surface when the second portionis in the first position.

EC19 is the seating system of any one of 9-18, further comprising a seatback, wherein the seating system is configured such that the seat backis substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portionis in the second position.

EC 20 is a seating system for an aircraft, the seating systemcomprising: a footwell; a seat back; and a seat pan comprising: a firstportion having a first end; and a second portion that is adjacent to thefirst portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which thesecond portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion,the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of thefootwell, wherein the second portion is adjustable to alternatively bein a second position in which the first end of the first portion extendsbeyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell, wherein awidth of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal tothe width of the footwell, and wherein the seating system is configuredsuch that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portionwhen the second portion is in the second position.

EC 21 is a method for providing a seat pan for an aircraft. The methodincludes providing a first portion of the seat pan having a first end.The method also includes providing a second portion that is adjacent tothe first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in whichthe second portion forms a seating surface together with the firstportion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a widthof the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustableto alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of thefirst portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into afootwell.

EC 22 is a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. Themethod includes providing a footwell of the seating system and providinga seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portionhaving a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the firstportion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the secondportion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, theseating surface having a width that is wider than a width of thefootwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in asecond position in which the first end of the first portion extendsbeyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell.

EC 23 is a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. Themethod includes providing a footwell of the seating system, providing aseat back of the seating system, and providing a seat pan of the seatingsystem. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and asecond portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustableto be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seatingsurface together with the first portion, the seating surface having awidth that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion isadjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the firstend of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to beinsertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the firstportion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and theseating system is configured such that the seat back is substantiallyparallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the secondposition.

EC 24 is a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. Themethod includes moving a seat back of the seating system down toward afloor of the aircraft such that the seat back is substantially parallelwith a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system to form alaying surface. The method also includes moving a second portion of theseat pan from a first position to a second position. In the firstposition, the second portion forms a seating surface together with thefirst portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than awidth of a footwell of the seating system. A first end of the firstportion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is inthe second position. The method also includes moving the first end ofthe first portion into the footwell.

EC 25 is a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. Themethod includes moving a first end of a first portion of a seat pan ofthe seating system out of a footwell of the seating system and moving asecond portion of the seat pan from a second position to a firstposition. The first end of the first portion extends beyond the secondportion when the second portion is in the second position. In the firstposition, the second portion forms a seating surface together with thefirst portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than awidth of the footwell. The method also includes moving a seat back ofthe seating system up and away from a floor of the aircraft.

The description of the different advantageous arrangements has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous examplesmay describe different advantages as compared to other advantageousexamples. The example or examples selected are chosen and described inorder to explain the principles of the examples, the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various examples with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for adjusting a seating system of anaircraft, the method comprising: moving a seat back of the seatingsystem down toward a floor of the aircraft such that the seat back issubstantially parallel with a first portion of a seat pan of the seatingsystem to form a laying surface; moving a second portion of the seat panfrom a first position to a second position, wherein in the firstposition the second portion of the seat pan forms a seating surfacetogether with the first portion of the seat pan, the seating surfacehaving a first width that is wider than a second width of a footwell ofthe seating system, and wherein a first end of the first portion of theseat pan extends beyond the second portion of the seat pan when thesecond portion is in the second position; and moving the first end ofthe first portion of the seat pan into the footwell.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein moving the seat back comprises moving the seat backwith a motorized actuator.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving thesecond portion of the seat pan comprises moving the second portion ofthe seat pan with a motorized actuator.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein moving the first end of the first portion of the seat pancomprises moving the first end of the first portion of the seat pan witha motorized actuator.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein moving thesecond portion of the seat pan comprises pivoting an end of the secondportion downward away from the first end of the first portion and towarda second end of the first portion.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinmoving the second portion comprises pivoting the second portion about arod that is coupled to the first portion.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein moving the second portion comprises retracting the secondportion away from the first end of the first portion and toward a secondend of the first portion.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a surface ofthe second portion that forms the seating surface when the secondportion is in the first position is substantially perpendicular to thefirst portion when the second portion is in the second position.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein a third width of the first end of the firstportion is substantially equal to a fourth width of the footwell. Themethod of claim 1, wherein moving the second portion of the seat pancomprises moving the second portion of the seat pan such that the secondportion of the seat pan abuts a facade that defines the footwell. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein moving the first end of the first portionof the seat pan comprises moving the first end of the first portion ofthe seat pan such that the first end of the first portion of the seatpan abuts a platform within the footwell to form the laying surfacetogether with the platform.
 12. A method for adjusting a seating systemof an aircraft, the method comprising: moving a first end of a firstportion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell of theseating system; moving a second portion of the seat pan from a secondposition to a first position, wherein the first end of the first portionof the seat pan extends beyond the second portion of the seat pan whenthe second portion of the seat pan is in the second position, and in thefirst position the second portion of the seat pan forms a seatingsurface together with the first portion of the seat pan, the seatingsurface having a first width that is wider than a second width of thefootwell; and moving a seat back of the seating system up and away froma floor of the aircraft.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein moving theseat back comprises moving the seat back with a motorized actuator. 14.The method of claim 12, wherein moving the second portion of the seatpan comprises moving the second portion of the seat pan with a motorizedactuator.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the first end ofthe first portion of the seat pan comprises moving the first end of thefirst portion of the seat pan with a motorized actuator.
 16. The methodof claim 12, wherein the seat back forms an obtuse angle with theseating surface when the second portion of the seat pan is in the firstposition.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the seat back issubstantially parallel with the first portion of the seat pan when thesecond portion of the seat pan is in the second position.
 18. The methodof claim 12, wherein moving the second portion of the seat pan from thesecond position to the first position comprises pivoting the secondportion upward toward the first end of the first portion and away from asecond end of the first portion.
 19. The method of claim 12, whereinmoving the second portion of the seat pan from the second position tothe first position comprises pivoting the second portion about a rodthat is coupled to the first portion.
 20. A method for providing a seatpan for an aircraft, the method comprising: providing a first portion ofthe seat pan having a first end; and providing a second portion of theseat pan that is adjacent to the first portion of the seat pan and isadjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion of theseat pan forms a seating surface together with the first portion of theseat pan, the seating surface having a first width that is wider than asecond width of the first end of the first portion of the seat pan, thesecond portion of the seat pan being adjustable to alternatively be in asecond position in which the first end of the first portion of the seatpan extends beyond the second portion of the seat pan to be insertableinto a footwell.